I will say this now and only once. I do not appriciate negative comments left about my stories. It is not as if I am holding you down and making you read them. If you don't like them, or the style I write in simply don't read. I enjoy reading my fans reviews, but finding ones that are not supportive or nice are a waste of time.
The cottage was in shambles. Window frames hung on splintered wood, the paint cracked and singed. Hermione felt cold sweat prickle down her back, horror flooded her system. "Andy! Andy answer me". Racing up the path she threw herself at the shattered excuse for the front door, it's remains gave out under her weight. The house was in darkness, shadows from the slowly lightening sky crawled over the furniture and up the walls. "Andy, are you here?" Her voice shook as she moved throughout the debris, the once pristinely perfect rooms were in prices. "Please Andy, please answer me" a muffled sob echoed down the stairs. Bolting towards the noise Hermione's heart pounded aggressively in her chest, reaching the landing she paused. The tell tale sounds of Teddy whimpering came from Andys room. Breathing heavily Hermione pushed the damaged door open, Andy sat on the edge of the bed Teddy clutched to her chest. The sight of her erratic rocking sent panic tumbling through Hermione's body. "Andy...?" The witch didn't appear to hear her, cautiously she approached the elder woman. Gently Hermione placed a hand on the moving shoulder, Andromeda flinched violently away from her. Cowering in the furthest corner from Hermione she stared wide eyed wand trained on Hermione's chest, fear was evident in her expression.
Teddy began to bawl loudly against her heaving chest, "Hermione...?" It was a question more than a statement, as if she was desperate for clarification that Hermione was not an apparition. Hermione nodded stepping forward slowly, tears began to roll steadily down Andromeda's cheeks. Stumbling forward the elder pulled Hermione to her, Teddy struggled against the sudden suffocating bodies pressing against him. "They took them Hermione they came and I couldn't do anything my first thought was for Teddy. Cissy tried to fight them off, but Draco he got hurt and, and I wasn't fast enough. We were out numbered and they had the advantage from the start. They threatened to kill them if I tried to stop them". Sobs raked through her body as she gripped the woman before her.
Hermione swallowed hard, "Andy where did they taken them?" Curls bounced wildly as Andromeda shook her head, "Andy were did they take Narcissa and Draco?"
"I don't know, Kingsley's taken Auras to follow as best he can. Hermione they were so fast it was as I they had planned everything."
"That's because they had, we were sent on a false trail, they knew that they were here with you and that you would protect Teddy first" Hermione groaned turning away from Andromeda fingers twisted tightly in her hair. "We need to go, the Ministry is the safest place for you at the moment take Teddy and floo there now. I need to find Kingsley".
"But-"
"No now Andy I can't risk having you and Teddy in danger Cissy would never forgive me if anything happened to you two, now go quickly". The brunette nodded and hurried from the room, Hermione felt the sting as tears trickled down her cheeks. Glancing around the ruined room the feeling of being punched in the gut tore through her as she spied the shattered remains of Narcissas' perfume bottle glinting in the pale light. Anger bubbled under her skin, gripping her wand tight she turned and vanished Kingsley would have hell to pay when she found him.
"You said they would be safe! You told me that Andromeda's was the best place for them!" Hermione's arms were beginning to shake from the pressure she was pushing through them standing over the table. Kingsley had his back to her, fire light shuddered over his dark skin. Harry, Ron and Ginny sat ridged in chairs just behind the scene before them. Hermione's anger was radiating off in waves, it would have been a sight to behold had it not been such a worrisome situation.
"We didn't realise you were on a false trail until it was too late, an anonymous letter arrived as the attack happened, there was little we could do. Andromeda refused to leave, she was adamant you would return to the cottage". Hermione practically howled in frustration, to Harrys' ears it echoed a familiar sound. If he hadn't had known Hermione was stood in front of him he would have put money on Bellatrixs' ghost being in the room with them.
"Minister, with all due respect, I have a group of men who can track these people, and with the Auras too we can have them in the vaults by the end of tonight".
Harry nodded, "I know we're only in training but we will do whatever we can to help". Kingsley turned to face his occupied office; he fixed Hermione with a steady stare. For the calm and level headed woman she'd grown into, this was not who stood before him now.
"We need to call an Order meeting".
"Hermione the Order has been abolished for practically a year, plus there are very few of us left. It would be impractical to-"
"I don't care, if we defeated Voldemort, we can take down these people. We need to form a plan. We're wasting time just sat in here not doing anything". Twisting violently away from the desk, she stomped over to the window slammed her palm against the pane, and fought the rising wave of sobs that were crawling up her throat. The sun was a watery disc in the ash grey sky, the damp trail of a tear made its way down her cheek. "Hermione" she turned, Ginny's face was a mask of concern.
"Hermione what's gotten into you? You never loose it like this. I know you are worried about them but they've only been gone a few hours. You're acting like Harry used too".
"Hay!" The red head flicked him a warning look, shuffling back into his chair Harry glanced sideways at Ron.
"I told them I'd keep them safe, this is my fault. If we had just stayed in America this would never have happened. God damn bloody Malfoys and their possessions". Biting down hard on her bottom lip a chocked sob escaped, "Ginny they will be killed if we don't act fast I can feel it. How could I have been so stupid these people obviously knew I was trying to keep them safe that's why they threatened to burn the Manor if they did not return, and of course they couldn't return without me escorting them. I played into their hands and now, now Merlin what if it's too late to save them!" Hysteria was creeping into her voice.
"I think it would be wise if I take the men to the Manor perhaps we can find something that will point us in the right direction".
"No!" Heliforg stiffened, turning he glower at the tear streaked woman by the window. "You will not touch anything in that building. In fact I don't want you or any of your men going anywhere near there". Growling under his breath Heliforg stepped towards Hermione, pointing a sausage like finger at her.
"You're being irrational Miss Granger. There may be somethin' in that building that could help us and you are refusing me entry?"
"No one is to enter Malfoy Manor unless Andy or I say otherwise. If there is something there I will find it".
Heliforg threw his hands up in the air, "You're right Minister, I am seeing her in a completely different light. She's still just an emotional school girl and this-" he gestured towards Hermione "is wasting time".
Turning he made to move but found he couldn't take a step forward, "I have not dismissed you yet Heliforg". Kingsley's voice was quiet. "Now this" he motioned between the broad man and trembling Hermione, "is going to stop. I placed you two in charge because I believe you will benefit each other". The pair glanced at each other, "As you have said numerous times to me Hermione, Lucius is at the root of this and the only way we are going to prove that and find out where the Malfoys' are being held is to speak to him".
"What go to Azkaban?"
A grey tinge took to Heliforgs face, "That is exactly what I am saying, and if you don't feel like you can cope I will find another who can". The grey turned to red.
"When do we leave?"
Kingsley consulted his watch, "Ten minutes".
Wind whistled down the many cell blocks of Azkaban. A group of four moved double breasted down towards the long term section. Keys clinked at each step the guard took, he was walking next to Kingsley who wore a grim expression. Although only ten Dementors remained at the prison you still could not shake the sensation of ever dwindling happiness. Hermione supposed that was due to the many years supply of endless hopelessness engulfing the building. Drawing to a stand still outside the uniformed cell she swallowed hard. This was going to go two ways, good or bad, and the unmistakable feeling of bad washed over her. "Lucius Malfoy, The Minister of Magic, Miss Hermione Granger and Mr Eric Heliforg are here to see you. Stand back as I open the cell, do not attempt to approach or you will be restrained. Is that clear?" A Silvery blond head bobbed in understanding. The cell door slid open and three bodies entered. The man who now sat on the furthest edge of the thinly mattressed bed was a mere shadow of the once imposing man who had sneered down at her whilst in Flourish and Blotts in her second year. His shoulder blades stuck out under the uniformed shirt he wore. Ankles attached to bare and filthy feet were so pointed they looked at though they could cut through glass. The only thing that remained the same were his eyes. Still hard and grey they stared at the trio.
He sniffed in amusement, "So they've been taken have they?"
"Where are they Mr Malfoy?" Kingsley towered over the pathetic excuse for a man.
Lucius chuckled "With my children".
"What?" Heliforg scoffed. "He's lost it, he's only got one kid and he's been taken".
Lucius looked up at the muscled man and smirked, "I assure you, I have not lost it Mr Eric Heliforg. In fact I feel saner than I have done in weeks, and more in control of a situation than I have in years".
"Mr Malfoy where are Narcissa and Draco?" Hermione had pushed her way to stand in front of Lucius, he fixed her with a steely glare.
"It appears your intelligence is not as accurate as people say. As I have just informed the Minister", he glanced at Kingsley "they are with my children". Hermione felt the tremors of annoyance skitter up and down her spin. Spinning away from the emaciated man she made for the cells entrance. "You won't find them Miss Granger. We will succeed where He failed". She froze. Ice crawled throughout her innards.
Heliforg gave a disgruntled grunt, "What are you on about Malfoy?" Lucius chuckled darkly, wheezed then coughed violently. His voice was not used to the volume of chit chat he'd been participating in recently, and certainly not used to laughing.
"You see my wife is the intricate lock that could potentially be protecting our race". Hermiones' stomach clenched, Lucius had her full attention again. "And exactly like a lock she needs a key to be opened, but unlike a normal lock there are many keys that will fit her". A deranged look passed over his features, hoarse laughter crackled around them. "Who would have thought such damaged goods could be the answer to Purebloods everywhere". Again the painful crackle, Hermione flinched at the sound.
"And your son?" Kingsley addressed his ex colleague darkly. "What is the reason, if you want to call it such, that he has been taken too?"
Lucius grinned evilly at the black man, "Back up so to speak, if his mother fails he will take her place". It was if a wire had been connected to the mains inside Hermiones' mind, Lucius' words repeated themselves like a mantra. Damaged goods. That's what he'd called Narcissa after he found out about Sirius' father. After he'd raped her. Yet Lucius still married her for the purpose of binding two-
"Oh my-" She clapped a hand over her mouth, bile burnt foul in her throat.
"Hermione?" Kingsley looked at her, concern written in his dark features.
"I think" she breathed heavily trying to repress the urge to vomit. "I think I know the reason they targeted Narcissa".
The men fixed their attention to her, "Well?" Heliforg pressed.
Hermione shook her head, "It's not what any of us originally thought. It's nothing to do with Voldemort, nor her protecting Harry. It's…it's-" She stopped, brain spinning out reasons.
"What? What's it to do with?" Heliforg made to grab to her, sensing his movement Hermione flinched away.
"Don't. Please. I need to think". She looked at Lucius again, he face was dead pan, and in that moment she knew her mind was right. "It's to do with blood" she whispered, eyes narrowed "Her blood specifically". Twisting sharply she addressed Kingsley, "We need to leave right now. I need to speak to Andy. Then regardless of what you said earlier we need to recall the Order. This-" she looked back at Lucius "is bigger than we initially thought. If I'm right we don't have much time before they start executing their plan". Kingsley nodded, he'd learnt over the years that when Hermione was this adamant about something she was generally right, and far be it for him to start questioning her now. By the pallid complexion that donned her face, it was obvious that her understanding of the situation was true, and whatever it was, was not good. Readying himself for the very pressing time to come he motioned for the guard to allow them exit from the cell. All the while he made mental notes, besides contacting the remaining Order members and hearing what Hermione had to say, his first port of call was finding out how these people had managed to get into a highly secure prison and down to Lucius's cell without being stopped.
Vladik ran his fingers through Narcissa's hair. They looked even darker mixed in with the paleness of her locks. Leaning forward, he pressed her tendrils to his face and breathed deeply. She trembled beneath him. Maya observed the interaction with rapt attention. The woman was so much more than what the papers and research had claimed. Her natural beauty was painful to look at, even with dirt and blood plastered to her marble pillar skin. She shivered with anticipation; Vladik was to be the first. The first key, the first to impregnate her with the first son or daughter of 'The Chaste'. He was the worthy one, same as she would be to Draco should Narcissa fail. Such a burden, she mused following the contours of her lovers' shoulders, yet such a strong being to bare it. Her heart throbbed deep in her chest at the devotion she felt towards her brother. "You are the reason we stand here today Lady Malfoy". Vladik was mere inches from her ear, his breath caressing the sensitive skin. Narcissa fought the urge to whimper, his scent was over powering. Dark, deadly, she'd smelt it before, it lingered around Voldemort. And as such it too radiated from Vladik. She squeezed her eyes shut as his fingers traced her throat and down to her chest. There it stilled palm flat against her bone, "Ah I can feel it". He breathed, "Your heart, it beats fast. Like a rabbit ensnared in a trap. Tell me, are you afraid?" Narcissa gave a ridged nod. Vladik chuckled darkly. "There is no need to fear me; us. We are the protectors, your protectors. You see, you alone posses something we need to save our race. Your blood, it's strong, powerful. The Blacks are an ancient family as well you know. Their blood holds the very purest form of magic. It's untainted. Thus the blood that resides in you is the same and we require it". Narcissa flinched as his hand slid further down her front, coming to rest over her stomach. "You have already proved your womanhood by birthing your son". He glanced at the struggling form of Draco, blood covered one side of his face, an angry gauge was beginning to crust over amongst his filthy hair. "Soon you'll carry the first heir of The Chaste. Their blood will be your blood. Black blood. They will be strong. Their brothers and sisters will rebuild our mighty race, and we can finally ascend to our rightful place". Tears streaked down Narcissas' cheeks, she thought of her father lecturing her on the importance of upholding their blood status. Of her mother forever tweaking and pulling at her robes reminding her that proper woman held themselves correctly. Of Lucius gleaning her, his perfect Pureblood wife. Perfect Pureblood. A sob broke through her silence, Draco struggled harder desperate to reach her. "Restrain him fool" Vladik hissed, a wand was pressed against Dracos' gullet.
Maya approached, silent, feline steps. "She is beautiful brother. Truly, but is she strong enough?" Vladik eyed his sister, "How long was your labour?" An embarrassed flush spread across Narcissa's cheeks at the woman's question.
A wand tip appeared under her breast, "Answer" Vladik whispered dangerously.
"An hour" Narcissa's voice was but a breath.
"That speaks volumes" Maya mused touching the blondes cheek, a tear rolling to a halt against her fingertip. "She clearly is strong, I hear birth is hard for even an experienced mother. Still we shall see when the time comes". Turning the woman moved to face the ridged Draco, his nostrils flared angry and afraid. "I see her beauty resides in you too. Tell me boy have you felt the heat of flesh?" Draco frowned, "Have you pleasured and in so been pleasured?" A flush to rival his mothers flared into existence, "I shall take your silence as a no. Pity I was so hoping for experience. Still I suppose novice is better than bad habits". Maya returned to her brothers' side. "The hour grows late. It is time to ready them. We know the girl will not be far behind should her intelligence prove truthful. Send the men to the grounds my love". Mayas voice was hushed, her hand rested gently upon Vladiks' shoulder. "I shall be by your side should anything happen". Straightening the dark man turned to the rows of men behind him.
"My brothers in arms protect us. The Chaste requires your strength. Aim true should danger approach. We will not stop until the future resides inside this woman's womb". A united gruff of understanding issued from the ranks, slowly they left leaving Narcissa alone with the two siblings and a man struggling to maintain his hold on her son.
That moment when you're watching the end of HP & DH pt2 and the screen goes black, and you're like "NO Please that can't be the end! Keep going I need more!" *Sigh* so sad :-( still I hope you've enjoyed this chapter another will be up soon. Regards DT xx